Online Banking Part Two

I recently made this post about Online and Mobile Banking and also a post about Secured Credit Cards. I do not wish to edit it, but now I just want to add a new post about my new banks: RCBC and HSBC. I also opened a new account at BDO, and now I'm a certified online banking user of BDO too. :)

Anyway, I mentioned in this post that I applied for an RCBC Instacard. To my surprise, my credit card came as early as 5 working days! I even thought it would take longer because of the Araw ng Kagitingan holiday, but it didn't. I went on the same day to apply for RCBC Access One, to be able to check my TD account with them and just to try their online services. The teller who assisted me informed me that my card might arrive next week. As soon as I went back home in the afternoon, a guy from LBC came and gave me my card. The rest is history and I was able to use it right away.

Remember the functions of BPI Express Online? I'm beginning to love it and thank my company for sending my funds in BPI now. I could also enrol both my RCBC and HSBC Credit Card for payments anytime, anywhere. I am really confident to say that BPI is number one when it comes to online banking services. I applied for my RCBC Bankard payment the day I received my card. I filled out the online form, printed it and went to my branch in C. Raymundo. In 2 days, my card was included in the list of merchants I could pay. So as soon as I received my HSBC Gold Visa, I went straight to my BPI branch again and did the same thing. Soon, I can pay it with BPI too :)

I will tell the story on how I got an HSBC Gold Visa in a post next to this. Before that, let's proceed to the part 2 of my Online Banking discussion:

RCBC Bankard Main Site

For RCBC Bankard, you don't have to sign up for an online banking account. They have separate websites for their deposit accounts and credit cards. The photo above shows that in the RCBC Bankard site, you have many options as they offer many services. These include:

• Shop Secure
• Spend monitor
• Enroll in e-SOA Via Email
• View Statement Online
• Pay Your Bankard Online
• Update Your Account
• Power Tools

All of these were discussed in my Bankard pamphlet, but I was too lazy to read it :P As of now, I haven't used any of these services as my Bankard hasn't received its first SOA yet. I called RCBC's hotline and they were fast and friendly, too. Their number is 888-1-888. Very easy to remember, right? I will update this post as soon as I used it. For the meantime, here is the access page for the SOA Online. It's so easy as you only have to enter your card number and your birthdate as the password.

RCBC View your SOA online pop-up window

 This next photo is the Access One I enrolled via my branch. In this site, I must be able to open and see my Time Deposit account with them. Well, I also haven't tried this as I must wait for the processing-- usually 5 business days. As of now, my BDO who promised me 5 banking days for processing (5th day tomorrow), is now working. I could now use BDO online to check my Passbook Savings.

RCBC Access One login page

This is HSBC's online@hsbc. My first regular credit card. Their hotline is also easy to remember: 85-800. Only a few digits just like BPI's. Well they have a security device option which I think you could buy and also the password question. They have two sorts of passwords too. It's a bit tedious to go login with them.

As of now, it has the same functionalities I already used. The usual online banking site for credit cards of course have the account summary, unbilled transactions and the balances.

I still have a floating transaction with them, my Globe Postpaid Bill. It's not yet reflected on the website. I have to check it again.

online@hsbc login page with 2 secure options 

Well, this would be all for now. Judging all the sites I have used, the number one is still BPI for its interface and functionality. By the way, Metrobank Direct almost updated to a new site last April 8, but it was short-lived. I was able to use it though, and it looks nice. I failed to get a screenshot though cos I thought it would last forever. To my surprise, several hours after its opening, the site went back to the original Metrobank Direct site. I was wondering why the system reverted, there was no infomail from Metrobank. But the difference was, the new site did not spam me with the log of my online transactions via e-mail. I wish they finish the upgrade soon.

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: finance, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Online and Mobile Banking

I am a fan of online and mobile banking. My life revolves around the internet--from my part-time job to my connections with people. At this age and time, we cannot deny the importance of using the internet as a resource. Today, I'm going to discuss the different online and mobile banking systems that I'm using--plus some short reviews about them.

Online Banking Websites

BPI's Express Online website-- www.bpiexpressonline.com

The first online banking site I've used is BPI's very own Express Online. It's the best website for me. Not complicated and very easy to access. What I disliked was the hovered options-- because in my previous browser in my Nokia smartphone, I couldn't hover it even with the use of the stylus. I really don't understand why it happened but I could hover it now using my fingers with the iPhone. It only means the Nokia smartphone sucks :P 

What I mainly do with this site:

• Enroll and access all of my accounts with BPI which includes
• ATM Savings account (transfer of funds, schedule the transfer and payment, viewing)
• BPI Direct (for stocks sales withdrawal )
• Time Deposit account (viewing only-- interest, next maturity date)
• Credit Card (viewing, download of SoA)
• Pay my bills via my ATM account like:
• BPI Express Credit (credit card)
• Sky Cable
• Sky Broadband
• Monthly amortization for our condominium unit (via funds transfer to our checking account)
• Check my BPI Blue Mastercard usage
• Download it as .pdf file
• Know the remaining credit limit
• Know the outstanding balance

Overall, I had no troubles with this website except on a few times that there was a maintenance. BPI advises its customers when there is an upcoming website maintenance and has some blocked hours for regular maintenance too. All these could be found on the login page.

When you forget your password and it's blocked after 3 tries, all you have to do is call BPI Express Phone Banking via 89-100 and then you'll be asked to reset it by your own while the phone banker gives you instructions. Another way is to reset it online first, and then have the approval done via ATM machines and your ATM card. There is a detailed instruction on how to do it when you finished the online part.

Metrobank's Metrobank Direct: https://personal.metrobankdirect.com/

My next favorite site is Metrobank Direct. They recently improved the website and I'm loving it. I could now do the same things that I do in BPI because I recently opened a Savings Account with them. Paying my credit card bill has never been easy. 

What I hate about this site is their "OA security"-- meaning every time I have to log out using the log out button or else I couldn't login for the next 20 minutes. And then every midnight they send an e-mail about what I did in their system, very detailed stuff with timestamps. I hate it because I turn on my phone notifications at night and I will hear an alert only with irrelevant mails from Metrobank. 

I haven't lost my password yet nor had it blocked, but I guess you'll just have to call 8700-700 and their friendly reps would assist you. In my experience, they have the best CS and the fastest to answer in all banks we use in our family.

Note: You cannot download .pdf files of your SoA using this site.

BDO's Online Banking site: https://online.bdo.com.ph/

The next website I got to use is BDO's Online Banking. This is because my mom uses a BDO card from 2010. I made an account for her so that she could also experience online banking like I do. She barely uses it, only to check her recent purchases and the final account balance before the courier arrives with her latest bill.

What she mainly does with this site:

• Check her BDO Classic Mastercard usage
• View outstanding balance
• View online Statement of Account
• Maintain her account (edit mobile number, etc)
• That's all :P

When you forget your password for this website and blocked yourself, you have to call BDO's hotline and it's very easy to reset your password. They will send you an e-mail with the link and you just have to type your temporary password, login and you'll see a change your password page. Easy queasy.

Citibank Online website: https://www.citibank.com.ph/PHGCB/JSO/signon/DisplayUsernameSignon.do

The last website I use for my mother's sake is Citibank's Online Account site. This is the "most secure" website in all those mentioned here. Starting March, they really implemented strictly the OTP or One Time Pin system. They will now send a unique code to your mobile number and you can login using it for the next 5 minutes only. Before, they use the Security Questions (many kinds, you can answer one every login randomly).

I super love their site as it is so organized and also you can do more things compared to the 3 other websites I discussed. But since my mom has no SA or other accounts in this bank other than her 2 credit cards: Citibank Rewards Mastercard and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Visa card. You can also access the latest promos with notifications from them, and you can view your security level on the site itself.

I'm not so familiar with this site, so I'm not in the position to discuss the things you could do. Sorry :))

Mobile apps for iPhone (free to download)

First that I would discuss is BPI's Express Mobile. This is a complicated download as first:

1. You have to login to BPI Express Online first and make sure your mobile number is already enrolled
2. You have to download the app from the link they will send to your mobile phone via SMS
3. You also have to activate the app by keying in the unique code they also sent you via SMS

Next on my list is Citibank's app, easy to download and no intervention needed from their online website. Once you download it, you can actually just login to their app just like that. But just like the Citibank Online, the app will have you to enter the unique One Time Pin again. It's one easy thing if you are already using the same phone.

Metrobank's Mobile Banking app is "the most complicated" app download I've ever experienced. There are so many details that you have to encounter and accomplish before you can use it. Another thing is that it's not totally free. Meaning, for every transaction, you have to pay 1 peso from your load :( Sadness.

Here is what you should do so you could access this app:

1. Go to the Metrobank branch where you have an account
2. Make sure you have lots of time. Waiting is needed!
3. Fill up the form for enrollment
4. Wait for the activation of your MPIN and the SMS from Metrobank
5. In my case, I had to wait for the call from the branch and to also call them back to confirm if I could already access it.

I hope you learned something about the different ways of connecting to your bank accounts :D

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: finance, Web/Tech, websites

Hello Again, Hong Kong and Hi, Shenzhen!

I haven't really talked about this trip I had last December 30-January 2. Actually, this was the most difficult trip I've ever had abroad. Aside from my pregnancy, several factors affected my total satisfaction with the trip: the cold weather in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the bad hotel we had at Shenzhen, the delay of Philippine Airline's flight PR 311 from 10PM-12:30AM, and the food in Shenzhen. The best trip for me is still the Hong Kong trip I had last 2009 with my parents. Best hotels (we stayed inside Disneyland--Hollywood Hotel), great food, nice flight and I was single. Just kidding about the last part ;)

some of the pages in the Photobook I'm making. no captions yet, I'm too lazy.

I had the chance to write this today as I was finishing my Photobooks for the trips I had in 2012. I bought 2 vouchers from Groupon last year and the purpose of it was really for these trips. The idea of having the voucher came from my sisters-in-law, who had already bought so much and gave us vouchers for my son's 2nd birthday. I had to try the software in my Windows PC before, and it was user-friendly. Now, for my Mac, I downloaded the software and it was way better than last year. I also love the readybooks that I used. Photobook Worldwide has the best selection and also easy transaction for people who aren't artistic like me.

Photobook Designer for Mac.

We welcomed the New Year for the first time in a foreign land and it wasn't as good as Philippine New Year with all the fireworks across the neighborhood. Although I must say, the fireworks display at Hong Kong Disneyland around 9PM is probably something I would always have in my dear memory. It was so wonderful. :D But yeah, I didn't like Mainland China that much. I don't like the "Kung fu toilet" and the reception of the people there to tourists. The Shenzhen Immigration is still scary, BUT, I must say their service is fast. 

I just couldn't stand the cold inside the hotel. I have been to Baguio before, but it was on a summer so it wasn't as cold as 6 degrees celsius. But anyway, the hotel has no air conditioner to warm us up nor temperature control. The staff also spoke only a few English words and generally almost everyone except the tourguide do not speak English. It's way better in Hong Kong.

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: family, first time, Holidays, somethingnew, travel, vacation, Web/Tech

Secured Credit Cards

When I got married, I appreciated the existence of credit cards. Having a family means more expenses and ATM machines are not so available all the time, even EPS system is not so common. But my credit card owner wannabe phase started in the middle of my college years. My husband has an extension credit card from his father that started when we were around 3rd year college students. I sort of envied how he got good freebies from Jollibee and ever since I was a child, I fancied myself having my own cards. I used to play with my father's expired cards and swipe them in our divider cabinets' slits. My parents did not give me an extension, because even my mom hasn't so why should I? They weren't really the ones to teach me about financial management. It was actually my in-laws who did it.

However, I haven't graduated in the university when I started my own family and I didn't have a stable job--just my part time at RareJob. I tried applying at the biggest credit card companies, but they denied me of course. They needed an applicant with a job and an ITR to prove it. I have an ITR due to my job as an Independent contractor for RareJob around 2010, but it wasn't enough. So what I did was to try and search for alternatives. One of the first alternatives was the EON Card from Unionbank.

I needed a credit card for an online purchase, and that's when I created my EON account. Later on, I learned that Smart Money has this feature to be like a credit card for online purchases, too. So that was my second alternative. I just have to transfer money from my BPI Savings account to the Smart Money account and then activate it through my mobile phone. The downside is, I am not really a Smart subscriber and just had this free extra SIM card from my Smart Bro Plug-it. I only used it twice.

Not until I browsed a certain blog and PinoyExchange for answers to my problem. I found out about the wonders of a Secured Credit Card. I kept on reading threads about it and learned so much from PExers. Late in 2010, I applied in BPI but was denied and received a letter about BPI Express Start-- that's their secured credit card program. I looked up about BPI and this Express Start and learned that:

1. They need a collateral--money in a TD (time deposit) account or Savings account

2. The credit limit you will get is 80% of your total collateral

3. The secured credit card has the same freebies as the regular credit card (aka preapproved? Idk the correct term)

4. Raising your credit limit means raising your TD amount, could be done only after one year

I have a savings account at Meralco's MESALA c/o my dad that yields higher than usual interests (since it's a cooperative sort of bank). I had around 30 thou there, and I withdrew 26000 from it for my collateral at BPI. What I did next was the application. I went to the nearest branch, which was BPI C. Raymundo branch. They were very helpful and assistive, and in a few minutes by just showing my ID and proof of billing, I was able to create my first TD account with the secured credit card. The card though, was delivered 2 weeks from the day of my account creation.

I was satisfied with the 20thou limit given to me, and the fact that my money will still earn as it is in the TD mode. Although as our needs changed, I felt the need for another credit card. That's when I made another TD c/o Metrobank. I loved Metrobank's service, since it's one of my dad's credit cards. My father actually had 3 credit cards before he died: Citibank, Metrobank and BDO. The worst customer service was BDO. When he died, I had to cut all the cards and process everything through phone and fax. Metrobank has the fastest process and friendliest customer service reps. And that made me choose that for my next secured credit card.

With Metrobank, there are of course, similarities with the process and a bit of a difference:

1. You can open an ATM account or TD for the collateral. With the TD, you can choose the period where the TD earns interest (very flexible)

2. The credit limit is 90 % of your collateral (which makes it less money for deposit)

3. Credit limit is increasable within the first 6 months (or during the first interest is due)

There also is a Metrobank branch in my barangay (and only recently, the C. Raymundo branch also opened!). That's where I opened my account. I also heard that in Metrobank, it's easier to waive the annual fee (although I could also do that to BPI easier because of connections haha). I got my husband an extension, because there are times I'm not available to go in the grocery or other stuff. Surprisingly, the delivery of the Metrobank cards are faster.

It's been almost 2 years since I had my BPI and 1 year for my Metrobank. Payment is easy for both banks in my case. The nearest branch to my house is walking distance for Metrobank, and for BPI, I have to be forever grateful for BPI Express Online. Payments whenever, wherever using my mobile phone with the app or a browser. I'm not yet getting a regular credit card because I won't be working fulltime yet. I'm just happy with my choice of banks :) 

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: family, finance, Web/Tech

Johnny Air Cargo Plus + Apple US Items Review

Today, I achieved my first successful Johnny Air Cargo Plus transaction-- and I received my two items straight from the US to Manila. I bought an Incase Neoprene Pro Sleeve from the US Apple Website together with the Apple Earpods.

I received a text from them 3 days ago saying that the total cost of the shipping and handling is 802.54 PHP. Not bad, because it was really fast. Items took 4 business days to be both delivered on their office at San Francisco, and from San Francisco, my package was delivered to Manila after 5 business days. And then after 3 days, I came to get it from their SM Megamall Branch. I have to admit, the process is not really so easy as I have to contact their Manila office every now and then for updates and the process that took so long was the creation of my account. It is my first time to have a package delivered and only thru PhilMUG and GT that I was able to gain courage after so many failed attempts in the past. I tried delivering items from MAC (not Apple, but the cosmetics brand) and I made a fatal error: I did not make the delivery address and billing address the same.

"Unboxed" photo. Still fresh inside the plastic. Lol. Apple's sticky material for the paper invoice really is sticky.

A quick glance at my package before totally opening it :D

Inside the sleeve. The insides are so soft and furry like a teddy bear <3

Fits my tote bag from Korea perfectly :D

I really love the color. This shade of blue is my favorite :)

I'm actually thinking of having several items delivered again like breast pumps, baby stuff or other beauty products that I won't be able to buy in the Philippines. So overall, I'm happy with my first transaction with JAC. I'll give them a 9/10 score :)

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: Purchases, Web/Tech

Buying a Macbook Pro: Probably Not a Review

I actually miss writing blog posts. Since I already have finished college and currently in my "gestational period", I spend my time staying at home and doing whatever I please. As compared to my previous pregnant self (the reason why most of those emotional posts came about), I can now focus only on my pregnancy because I already achieved most things I wanted.

Today, I'm going to continue this draft of my Mac experience. I remember my 20-year old self saying "Oh, I'll never get into that Apple Bandwagon!"~ which now, I really take back. Obviously, my immediate family (the Garcias aka my in-laws) became Apple users probably 2 or 3 years ago with their mobile phones and iPads (the first generation ones). I was also kind of intrigued with it, coupled with Globe's online iPhone 4S promo with BPI Credit Card. And yes, come 2012 I purchased my first Apple item ever-- my now 8-month old iPhone 4S. I never made any posts about it until now. I loved it and I enjoyed every single thing about how I use it. My husband had his phone next, a gift from my mother-in-law. We loved iMessaging together with the rest of our immediate family members. Yes, everyone uses an iPhone.

I had the decision to buy a new PC eons ago when I sold my Sony VAIO Netbook several months back. I even sold my BlackBerry 9300 3G and Nokia N900 mobile phones in order to add to the pot. I was thinking of replacing my now 4-year old Acer TravelMate. What I loved about my Windows PC was the sentimental value and the apps I use there. I installed it with a Windows 8 Consumer Preview OS, and I loved the super fast speed when booting up. It used to be run by a Vista Home Premium Windows OS, but I was successful with the dual boot feature I recently enjoyed. I saved up enough money for a decent and powerful Windows device. 

I was hell-bent in purchasing an ASUS Ultrabook (which, by the way was Hot Pink in color) or a Samsung Ultrabook Series 7 (which my father-in-law has). I was desperate for a PINK computer, for I was attached to the idea that it's so catchy and "girly" like my previous VAIO Netbook. Much to my dismay, I cannot find a pink-colored Ultrabook aside from the ASUS one which I heard wasn't so available. I also wanted a matte-finish screen (that specification made me want a Samsung). Windows 8 came to the market, I found new hot hybrid PCs, but nothing suited the color I want, plus the matte-screen.

I found several websites helpful with my quest to the perfect Mac. I initially wanted the same Macbook Pro as Karl or the lightweight Macbook Air (since I'm currently preggers and I travel often, I wanted a light one as well). I wasn't convinced with the speed of the Macbook Air though, but then I thought it was the best choice for the specs I want:

1. Lightweight

2. Thin

3. No optical drive (I don't use DVDs anymore!)

But, it wasn't PINK and it has a glossy finish. I was taken aback. Should I spend thousands of pesos when it's not worth it? So I tried to stop myself from purchasing nor searching the net cos I'll have ideas again. However, after going back to PhilMUG-- a popular forum about Apple stuff, seeing my friend Karl's Macbook Pro when I visited him in Davao and just talking to my Japanese students about gadgets, I was convinced: I'm getting a Mac soon.

Alas, the new Mac items came into being about late 2012 (or the 4th quarter), which included the much awaited iPhone 5, iPad Mini, and the iPod Touch latest generation (this I don't know). And yes, that's the time where I saw the notebook I wanted: this Macbook Pro 13 inch with Retina Display. I looked at the Apple Store in PH, and wow. It's a whopping 82,990 PHP. I know I have that money, but it's way too much. The ASUS PC I wanted was about 73,000 PHP. So I got an idea of buying the Macbook on my trip to Hong Kong because it's way cheaper in Hong Kong Apple Store.

Not until PhilMUG forumers commented on my post, and told me that it's not worth it to get it from a foreign country--given the thing about customs, warranty, and so on. They suggested I contact a forumer named Charlie. He is just the owner of a popular premium reseller Beyond the Box (Digital Hub in some places). So I emailed him as advised by PhilMUGers, and voila. I got a discounted price amounting to 73,800 PHP (for a cash purchase). Not bad. Just about the money I wanted to spend on a Windows PC.

Next thing was getting my moolah from my bank and going to their Robinsons Branch. And on the fated day of November 5, 2012, I bought my very first Mac. :)

I really knew it's worth the wait (though I know Apple will come up again with a cheaper and more advanced version a few months from now) for me to realize the awesomeness of Mac. I am certainly now a fan. I will miss using Windows too, but I still have lots of opportunities to access it given that in our house there are 3 Windows laptops and 1 desktop PC. I did not regret spending for this. Probably, my first and last splurge for this phase in my life (before I go and spend all my money for my beloved kids and family). It's useful for my online job and I am now a happy user. Nothing beats happiness and fulfilment.

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: Current Affairs, family, Web/Tech

My Blogging History

I am a personal blogger and I'm proud of it even though I don't get to have followers like those of a travel blogger or a beauty blogger. I haven't maintained a blog for too long except that of Friendster's before. I started out in 2005, but since none of my friends liked to share their activities online like I did, no one really read it. Until 2008 came and one of my closest high school buddies also began writing for his Friendster Blog. We kept a correspondence by writing our personal reactions in Testimonial form (it's Friendster's version of Facebook Wall/Timeline posts before). I was inspired by him to create a mix of everyday school life stories in English and Filipino, stating about my lost goals and failures while studying at UP Diliman. Later on, the blog talked about my private life and how it turned upside down. 


A few years ago, Friendster closed down and  reformatted itself, deleting the Blogs, Profiles, Testimonials and all the social networking stuff in it. Good thing, I was able to download my blog posts and transformed it into two famous blog hosting sites, WordPress and Blogger. The new blogs with contents from my old Friendster blog were named differently, the WordPress one having a Japanese text title, and the Blogger one having the same name as my original Friendster blog. I didn't get to maintain it well and I deleted "WaterDrop", and so when I resumed writing out of whim, I started to make another blog in Blogger containing the old Friendster posts. Obviously, I cannot let go of my writing since 2005.


I got lazy due to several things going on in my household since I became a young mother. I continued studying from my one year leave of absence and while writing a lot of academic papers, I lost my interest in writing Anime Fanfiction, another hobby I had since late 1990's. I had lots of ideas when I was in high school, but now I could barely think of a plot or a line to write. I still kept my PC Journal through Microsoft Office OneNote and also a little blue notebook containing my random thoughts on a random day. I love writing so much I can't let go of it for a single moment. However, my love for writing has bounds especially when writing essays for school.


Right now, I want to continue writing by sharing some of the memorable things in my current life and not to dwell in the emotional past I had. I've had my share of failures and I'm not too proud of it, but it helped me become the stronger version of myself now. In this new blog, I will attempt to write positively at most times and share to you how I see the world.

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: Interests, Old Stuff, Web/Tech, Weblogs

I'm Lovin' My BlackBerry 9300 Curve 3G

This is a test post from my BB curve's email service. I just recently activated my Blogger's email posting and I'm about to send this post in a little while. So anyway, here's a picture of my husband that I took using my Curve's cam. The resolution was actually 1600x1200 but it is now cropped as an attachement for this email.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: family, Web/Tech

Nokia N900

Humans are said to be known for not having enough for material things—yeah, I’m one of them so I should agree. For about 2 months, I’ve been eagerly eyeing this one of the latest from Nokia’s Nseries, and I’ve spent quite sometime looking for obviously a cheaper deal (I have heard it still is around 30 thou in the Nokia Philippines store). I was almost scammed on eBay during that process, and I rightfully won the claim and got a full refund (thank you, PayPal). The seller still told me he or she shipped the item and I could either pay for it (duh, after that long process and worrisome nights?) or return it to him or her. If that’s true, then I might be getting another N900 next month. Thinking of customs charges and other fees, I don’t think I’m getting that 450 USD worth mobile. I got the refund, period.

Anyway, I got what I wanted through a local store online. I just had some problems dealing with them through the phone, but everything went smoothly as they’ve stated. Got it in a so-so price, and my budget was just enough. The package I chose included an 8 GB micro SD and shipping insurance. I was really excited to open the box since Sunday night and I kept dreaming of using it. The reviews were astounding, and as compared to Apple Iphone 3GS, it is said that this one’s better (I was also aiming for that 3GS thing, but I decided not to since I’m not a Mac person). Air21 delivered it at around 9 am something, and here are some of the initial unboxing photos (taken by my former favorite smartphone, Samsung Touchwhiz F480):

              Here’s the opened box and all its contents (not in particular order): N900 phone, charger (with micro USB converter), CA-101 USB data cable, headset (with extra earplugs), manual (in color and one of the thinnest Nokia manuals I’ve ever had), BL-5J battery, video-out cable, cleaning cloth and the 8 GB micro SD (meaning they’ve already opened the box before I received it! haha).    

 

So I got the phone opened and inserted the Smart SIM I’ve had for ages, removed this black plastic cover and saw its shiny shiny touch surface":

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I turned it on for the first time in my hand and yeah, it was like this:

This is the back part. I liked it since it’s Blue in color (my favorite).

And so, for the next few hours, I can’t stop exploring it. :)

Took this photo hours and hours after. This is the cover of the box, and it’s somewhat embossed. Pretty cool.

 

 

 

 

I cannot add a detailed review here because you can see more specific and technical reviews in the net. What I achieved so far is using the stylus and avoiding my fingers to touch and touch (I was trained with my Samsung smartphone to only use my fingers since it has no stylus), connecting it with WLAN through ad hoc connection with my Acer laptop, using it with PC Suite 7, downloading apps and widgets for it through WLAN again, connecting my social networks to it, adding VoIP and IM accounts, setting up my 3 mails, watch a Youtube video through its Maemo browser, playing a full touch screen tetris game (haha), taking photos and videos, abusing the micro SD by loading it up with music and videos, using Firefox as browser there, listening to radio, synchronizing contacts with my other Nokia phone, receiving and sending files through Bluetooth, getting used with the QWERTY keypad, personalizing the phone and counting.

After long hours of spending time with it and draining its battery, I think now I’m already satisfied. Now I’m not really into the phone. Maybe one of these days I won’t be using it for a day or two. The phone hype is over. Till next year, I guess.

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: Web/Tech

Kuro-wanwan, Yuuko and Syaoran

I’m desperate in building a Chop Shop in Mafia Wars that I created dummy accounts for my “kids”. I know it’s a wrong move since they are not Facebookers or living entities to have their own e-mail accounts. I tried starting to play Mafia Wars with Yuuko and Kuro’s accounts but I was surprised there was no player class. Starting a new Mafia Wars account is surprisingly different. Oh well, it was a year ago when I created my first one so it really must have changed through time.

I don’t know what to put in Kuro and Yuuko’s accounts since they don’t live. Maybe I’ll invent things, place their real pictures, and add a few people who really know them in their accounts. For Syaoran, I wasn’t able to create an e-mail account yet since there have been multiple errors in CometBird. (By the way, I use 5 browsers in my PC for my many Yahoo! working accounts) Anyway, I would still try using these accounts for my gameplay because as I’ve said earlier, I’m desperate. :D

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: family, Web/Tech

Today is not January 23. I know.

Surprisingly, there was no January 2010 blog post on this longest running blog that I have. I found it quite inappropriate because I wanted to have all the months shown on the archive. So even though today’s the 23rd of February, thanks to Windows Live Writer, I was able to set the date for this post—thus the title.

Anyway, I’m already moving to Blogger. I already created this account before and now I think I will update it side by side with WordPress and FS (I was thinking if it would be redundant). My Multiply blog will contain separate posts as it has always been the more honest blog I ever created posts on. BlogSync helped me with the Blogger move. It’s such an easy app to use. :)

Since I forgot what I wanted to say, and I’m merely spending time while waiting for a student to come online, I’ll end tonight’s post right now (maybe later I would have something to talk about).

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: Current Affairs, Web/Tech, Weblogs

New Friendster

Matagal-tagal na nung huli kong gamitin ang browser para gumawa ng blog post. At dahil kawawa naman ang page na ito e naisip ko namang lagyan ng December entry para makumpleto ko lahat ng buwan sa 2009 (first time yata to sa blog na may isang taon na kumpleto lahat ng buwan). Hindi ako makatulog kaya binuksan ko ang Facebook at doon ko nabalitaan ang bagong look ng Friendster. Kaya naman naintriga ako at ayan, naging berde na nga ang dating gray na smiley logo at nag-iba na ang smiley. Parang cursive na ewan na sa unang tingin ay akala ko neon sign ng kung anong establishment (parang ganun kasi yung wiring na umiilaw na yun compared sa logong bago). Sinubukan kong hanapin ang ilang features na dati madalas kong makita. Aba, wala na ang sangkatutak na orange alerts. Nalipat na sa left pane, at black na ang font. Medyo civilized na kung tutuusin. Hindi na mukhang spam generator. Magkaganoon man, ayaw ko pa rin sa bagong layout. Ewan ko ba pero parang allergic na ko sa Friendster.

Sunod kong inopen ang inbox kong naguumapaw na sa spam messages gaya ng "Join *insert artistic FS name here* in Ego Love Lounge", etc. na katumbas ng notification sa Facebook. Yun nga lang, sa Friendster kasi naiibak lahat sa inbox mo kaya yung sakin 450+ unread. Hirap hanapin isa-isa kung ano ang hindi spam, kaya mark all as spam nalang: in hopes na hindi na ko mapapadalhan ng ganung messages (buti nalang matagal ko nang inalis yung e-mail notification ko dito). Pagkalipas ng ilang minuto, wala na ang numero sa tabi ng Messages link ko. Haay salamat. Nakakairita kasi sakin pag me mga numero sa tabi ng menu o anu pa man.

Kaya naman hindi ko pa ma-delete itong account ko ay dahil sa dalawang dahilan: una, nandito ang blog kong mahaba at original kaya sayang naman; at pangalawa, may mga kaibigan pa akong kilala ko talaga na hindi pa gumagawa ng Facebook. Pero okay na rin na hindi pa to nadedelete kasi makikita ko pa ang mga pakulo ng Friendster habang lalo syang nalalaos. Ayos na entertainment na rin kahit pano.

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: Web/Tech

Confessions of a Mafia Wars Addict

I was walking along Robinsons Galleria Food Court earlier when I saw a kiosk named ____ Pac with Pacman’s (the game thing, not Manny P.) picture beside it. I laughed, and I told him that I read it wrong, I thought it was “Energy Pak” (see, I even forgot the kiosk’s name!). I realized I was really hooked at Mafia Wars, another of Facebook’s hundreds of thousands of applications. Everything I came across today simply reminded me of it. For instance, aside from the ____ Pac store, I also thought of the Chinese Action Film showed on the bus we were riding earlier as relevant to Mafia Wars—wherein it has scenes of gunfights and the like. I am so in to this game that every morning, this has been my ritual instead of Plurk. And every time I receive an Energy Pak, I am elated.

It’s not only me that is addicted to this browser game. Most of my Facebook friends are Mafia Wars people, and almost all of those 460+ people play the game and I don’t personally know them. When they send friend requests, the message included would be “Please add me on your Mafia”, “Mafia Wars :)”, “Join My Mafia: *insert their link here*”, and so many other variants of personal messages related to it. Yes, this has been a fad for many “war freaks” and this app has also been one of the most popular as of the moment. Well, Pet Society would still be the number one addictive game for many and next would be Restaurant City, but nonetheless, Mafia Wars belongs to the Top 5.

Since this is a fad, it will soon pass and later on, another browser game shall invade Facebook. I’m predicting that Mafia Wars will stand on the most played for just a year, or until all levels are mostly completed by everyone. But then again, the levels are never-ending and they keep on improving the whole set-up of the game. I bet the creators of Mafia Wars continue to think of innovations (such as gift of Loots and Vault Collections) so that no one of us current addicts will switch to another, or completely leave the game :)

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: PC Games, People, School, Web/Tech

Sleepless in Pasig

1:01 AM and still, I could not put myself to sleep. While most people I know are still awake and doing their nightly and daily rituals—whether that be a net thing or not—I cannot bother them like they bother me. Anyway, today’s the final day of the Happy Days Streak, and tomorrow will be the grueling UP Diliman Summer Enrollment Year 3. Oh god, I wonder what sorts of mishaps will occur tomorrow. Will I lose my short temper again for some reasons known to me? Argh. I hope not.

Last night, I was having the best chat time with my old-time friends and family, the ones I go out from the school building with many years ago, those people who had been a great part of my social life, and they who became my closest buddies up to this very moment. Yes, we relived. We had reminisced. I miss all of them. I’m also happy that they are mostly Globe subscribers.

At this point of time, my eyes haven’t give up though my hands and fingers feel pretty much tired already. What made me more awake is the orders I have received to sleep now. I still don’t want to. And because of that, it did change my mood. Grr. This is what I hate about turning on the lights of my room. I could not move an inch after midnight with lights on. I should’ve played the Liar Game. X(

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: BARKADA, Old Stuff, Web/Tech

Inspired by B

Okay, B, kung mabasa mo man to ay alam mo kung sino ka. Ba... hehe. Di ko na sasabihin, and if ever na magreact ka mas magiging obvious na guilty ka (Nyahaha!). Anyways, since kanina mo pa ko ginising sa mga banat mo ngayong gabi e nainspire rin akong dagdagan ang ever honest Multiply blog ko-- this one kasi has a few masking techniques and kulang nalang talaga na banggitin ko yung names ng mga guys involved dito sa posts ko (they are quite a lot). Bago ko tapusin tong blog post or rather bago ko icontinue, let me clear na yung inspiration ay GALING SA SINULAT NI B and not directly coming from B himself. Oh, hehe baka lagyan ng malisya to. I repeat, hindi ako nainspire dahil kay B as a person (but I'm not telling you all na hindi kainspire-inspire si B. Inspiring kaya ang mga storya ng Fness nya. Oops. I'm telling too much na). Anyways, pinahanga na nga nya ko sa sinulat nya (hands down na) and so I will write my utmost feelings and girly annoyance sentiments na nais kong ipahatid (kundi man directly e indirectly) sa isang taong inakala kong ayun na nga pero in the end, narealize kong wag na nga.

In layman's terms and not in my weird wordplays, I was disappointed. Not by that person, but by the way my reactions go with his actions. Mas malayo, right? Anyway, let me relay this para finally this won't bug me and make me sleep. I will also be posting this in my FS Blog for public discernment (yes, I know, wala talagang paki ang tao sa Multiply ko).
This started way back in February. Midmonth. Sometime before the LR3: BTF (again, let me quote that acronym from B). Let me just tell this in a shortcut manner kasi whenever I try to put this into clearer sentences and phrases, I feel this eerie feeling in my chest. I myself can't understand it. So to protect the two people involved, I won't be mentioning their names (I don't exactly know the other naman eh) nor mention anything that people related or knowing them will easily understand.

Here's how it goes: I was so blinded by someone's PREEMPTIVE DENIALS and so I believed it by about 78% already. Yes, I was so close to giving up everything, every single thing I hold since January of this year. I also planned to fully believe this someone, not until there was a mistake I DID: Guess what, I found out something I shouldn't have. Shouldn't have, meaning MUST NOT also. Shouldn't have because it PROBABLY WOULD and REALLY did make me feel something bad. Something is in the pit of my stomach. And it reacts very badly as time goes by... I managed not to be in the super intriga mode and let it be, because I still had this 78% remaining that time, which lowered to 69.

Days passed by and I was introduced to Facebook apps and the like. I loved it. I became part of almost everything in it. And so was Plurk, I became enslaved to it. So was that someone. And so I browsed timelines and the like. I didn't like what I read. I closed the lid. Okay. So that was something. Something I DID EXPECT, but not at the moment when everything seems smooth. So I tried to procrastinate from the devil me. But still, the bitch inside of me won't let go of it. I tried not minding it by removing it from my Plurk timeline. Didn't work for me. And so, it followed that the earlier incident makes sense. After some time, the timeline was gone. It was also gone in my system. I let it go. I forgot... BUT NOT FOR A LONG TIME.

Just recently, I ran across something in FB that I don't know why I did. Okay, that was malabo, pero I won't clarify to protect identities. Anyway, I was disgusted. My hunches and all the gut feelings made sense again. Ooh. A little of that word. Anyway, I looked it up, and alright I said to myself. This would be another blow. It obviously lowered to 20%. And after some SMS, it decreased more. -49%. Haha. That's interesting. I kinda suggested it anyway. But then denials came by. Flashback. There was also the preemptive one. And so it goes, it happened. What can I do? I was right, but of course it wasn't that sure and accurate. I checked all things and still I can't get away with it. The SMS thingies made my mind turn something like 360 degrees. I would want to forget it. But then, look at me now. I'm back as an insomniac.

The worst thing?

I am back, writing specific implied nonsense for those who do not understand and not related, and simply nothing to those who are not ME. Okay, so this is so confusing. I intentionally did that, and also quite unintentionally, because my mind is as obscure as my OUTPUT: This blogpost. I end this post saying, don't believe even the person that is supposed to be your confidante, and trust your feelings. With feelings, forget the lovey lovey part, and make sure it's the gut one. It works a lot, although it misleads more. Just be like Conan and assure yourself that "Shinjitsu wa itsumo hitotsu!": THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUTH!

Whether the truth is contrary to what I will hear from someone, I don't mind anymore. Still, I stick to my wrong beliefs and jumped at conclusions-- those without ACTUAL are by far more real to me, especially when they have IMPLIED evidences. Weird. Weird. Never mind.

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: Implied Post, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Mafia Wars

The last time I was this hooked in a browser game was 2 years ago, when I decided to return to Newgrounds and Neopets. I was also in to Miniclip but then I stopped, because I don’t have a proper net connection those days. Now that I met Mafia Wars, my world changed. I always have something to look forward to everyday. I have some time killing sprees and also strategic thinking even a little. Mafia Wars really completed my day. Although I was branded as a War Freak because of this, I don’t mind. Maybe I really am. I was just annoyed because I didn’t have the chance to level up when my laptop caught a virus and was not working for 4 days. Aw. I do feel bad about it. But then again, it’s vacation and it’s time to be an addict. That would be all for now. :)

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: PC Games, Web/Tech

Resurrection

Mahirap ang resurrection lalo na kapag sa isang non-living na bagay. Halimbawa, mga nasirang gadgets gaya ng mobile phone, PC, at iba pa. Kung marestore man ang ilan, hirap namang ibalik ang dati nitong estado. Sabagay, ganun din naman sa tao. Pero, mas masarap ayusin ang gadget kesa sa taong mukha namang walang pag-asa. Anyways, namimiss ko yung dati kong Windows Live Writer kung saan perfect ang layout ng FS blog ko dun. Ngayon, di raw nya madownload yung settings kaya eto, nagtityaga ako sa walang kwentang default layout nya. Kainis. Mamaya ittry ko ulit. Haay naku. Haay naku talaga.

Sige since wala ako sa mood magsulat nang maayos e itutuloy ko nalang ang pagbblog mamaya. WLM muna ko.

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: Implied Post, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Windang

Windang



Ito ang nararamdaman ko ngayon. Ala-una pasado na't gising pa ako. Alam kong may nararamdaman akong masama sa katawan ko, at ubo pa ko nang ubo.



At eto na nga't sinasayang ko ang oras na dapat ay tulog na ako sa pag-aanalisa kung paano mapapabilis tong bwisit kong Desktop PC. Kung hindi lang siya sentimental e pinaghahampas ko na siguro to ng dos por dos kanina pa...



Naaalala ko noong high school, madalas ito bukas ng gantong oras. Dami kong kachat--sino pa ba edi yung mga nakasama ko rin buong maghapon, yung mga kaklase ko rin. Hindi na kami nagkakasawaan. Biruin mo, sila na kasama mo sa room ng 8 hours, tapos sila rin katext mo pag-uwi at ang mabigat don e kachat mo pa sila hanggang oras nanaman para pumasok? Sobra. At mga mukhang bangag kami pagdating ng classroom.



Anyways, may hinihintay akong importanteng bagay ngayon. At hindi siya biro.



Dapat sana kanina pa siya dumating e. Naiwan pa sa Mega. Haayz. Ito ang sulat ko para sa kanya:



Dear Hazel-PC-Reborn,



Di ko kayang mabuhay nang wala ka. Hindi ko kayang isiping mawawaglit ka ng isang segundo sa tabi ko. Hindi ko rin kaya na wala ang screen mo sa bedside ko. Namimiss ko ang iyong init... ang mistulang heater ko sa malalamig kong gabi... Ang halos magoverheat mong katawan...  (hehe labo!)



Nang iniwan mo ko ng 3 beses, akala ko tuluyan ka nang mang-iiwan. Di pa pala, at heto ka't sinira ko nanaman... I'm so sorry... :( Hindi na kita iinstallan ng mga kung anu-ano basta-basta... Ichecheck ko na rin ang updates mo palagi. Hindi ko na sasagarin ang volume mo. Hindi na rin ako magiinstall ng free antivirus. Sana mapatawad mo ako... *cries*



I MISS YOU, Hazel-PC-Reborn!! waah!



Love,



Hazel





Awat na nga. Mukha na kong tanga. Kulang lang ata talaga ako sa tulog.

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: Implied Post, Romance, Web/Tech

Social Networks: an Internet Pyramiding Scheme

As I was texting my boyfriend about random things such as Plurk’s 

(funkydance), he made me realize something about those social networking sites, and all that. Yup, he gave me an instant idea. Tonight, I’ll write about it. It’s what I term as the Internet Pyramiding Scheme. This is what we locally term as “social networking”. How does it work? Well, you all know that. Starts from spamming your friends’ emails and of your online pals as well. Then the email spreads and sometimes, it will send multiple times. Of course, there’s also the pyramiding within the pyramid already. This applies to FB games, and FS app invitations. Yeah, this is quite true, but haven’t we realized that it’s something like this? I bet you did, and I will elaborate on it.

So why does it bother me now?

Basically, it’s quite normal for us already. When we play games or apps, we have this option to “invite” friends or to skip, and also when we create new accounts, and more exactly, we receive them in our mails (mostly in the spam box). But then again, we do actually “bite” into these. Curiosity hits us and then we can’t stop clicking. It’s like a new fad or something, and we automatically will join. Peer pressure? In stuff? I dunno. Anything could be a reason, and it actually varies.

Some people I know could resist these social networking knickknacks. I do believe they have a relative good net discipline and self-control. Oh yea, good luck to us who continue to be slaves of the “links”, “invites” and the rest of them. May we all be in peace. I can’t say anything now. I guess I’ll just have to sleep… :)

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: Web/Tech

Plurk

Ang Plurk. Di ko alam ang ibig sabihin nito. Ingles ba yan? Siguro nga. Anyway, isa nanaman ito sa roster ng social networks na nauuso sa mga kabatch at di ko kabatch. Basta dun sa mga mahilig magblog at makipagsosyalan sa net. Nang dahil dito, nabawas-bawasan ang pagYYM namin at ang kaka-Live namin. Hala. Useless na nga pagiging online e. Well, for some na buhay sa pakikipagchat gaya ko nakakapanibago talaga ang pagbabago.

Kasalanan din ng Plurk kung bat kumonti ang posts ko sa blog kong to. Kakatuwa rin pala yon, nung una sobrang complex tapos when you get used to it okay naman pala. Haha. Sige dun muna ko…

Sorry, FS blog. Maiiwanan muna kita. :)

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www.gudanggrosiran.com Categories: People, Web/Tech, Weblogs